Only Tyron Smith of the Dallas Cowboys and Laremy Tunsil of the Houston Texans ranked higher.
Williams, 31, missed all of last season with Washington. Fowler notes that his contract dispute with his former team impacted some of the voting.
"He was dominant the last few years he played, and now he's well-rested," said one NFL defensive assistant. "I expect him to dominate again."
The 49ers acquired Williams via a trade in April, sending a fifth-round pick in this year's draft and a third-rounder next year to Washington in exchange for the tackle. In doing so, they replaced their six-time Pro Bowl tackle, Joe Staley, who retired, with a seven-time Pro Bowl tackle.
"One AFC exec said Williams' transition to San Francisco could be the best and worst thing for him, because he sometimes gets lazy on run blocks to the back side, which the 49ers emphasize," writes Fowler.
Washington made Williams the No. 4 overall pick in 2010. He has played in 120 NFL games, starting all but one.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan discuss the 49ers drafting Mykel Williams; Williams speaks to reporters
By Site Staff
Apr 24
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters after selecting Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams with the 11th overall pick. Additionally, Williams spoke to reporters via Zoom. Here is everything they said.
Transcripts...
49ers held pre-draft meeting with 334-pound defensive tackle
By David Bonilla
Apr 20
Justin Melo of The Draft Network added another name to the list of prospects the San Francisco 49ers have virtually met with—Tennessee defensive tackle Elijah Simmons.
.@Vol_Football DT Elijah Simmons received good feedback from scouts at the NFL Combine.He's since...
49ers select Georgia DE Mykel Williams with No. 11 pick in 2025 NFL Draft
By Site Staff
Apr 24
The San Francisco 49ers selected Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He now joins All-Pro Nick Bosa on the 49ers' defensive front.
Williams was one of the 30 draft prospects who recently visited the team in Santa...
Former Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams received the call of a lifetime on Thursday night. On the other end of the line were San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan, and team owner Jed York.
The trio informed the standout pass rusher that...